Radioprotective efficacy of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract against gamma-ray radiation-induced genotoxicity in rats

Background: Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a member of the Zingiberaceae family that contains phenolic compounds such as gingerol, paradol, zingerone, zingiberol and shogaols, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal and antitumour activity. Materials: The present investigation was intended to evaluate the radioprotective effects of ginger extract in Wistar albino rats against whole-body gamma-ray irradiation. Rats were orally administered 250 mg/kg b.w. of ginger extract by gavage for 14 consecutive days. On the 14 day, 2 hr after the last ginger administration, the animals were exposed to whole-body gamma-rays of 6 Gy. The radioprotective potential of ginger was assessed through measurement of the DNA oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine in serum, analysis of chromosomal abnormalities and micronucleus formation in bone marrow cells and estimation of DNA impairment in both bone marrow cells and epidydimal sperm using comet assay. Sperm DNA integrity and sperm shape abnormalities were also studied. Results: The results revealed that ginger extract reduced DNA oxidation by restoring the levels of 8-hydroxy-2’deoxyguanosine in serum. Ginger also significantly reduced radiation-induced chromosomal abnormality and micronucleus formation. Additionally, pretreatment with ginger extract significantly decreased DNA damage in both bone marrow cells and epididymal sperm, maintained sperm DNA integrity and reduced the occurrence of sperm anomalies after irradiation. Conclusion: Our results confirmed that ginger extract offers rats significant protection against whole-body gamma-rays and helps to alleviate the effects of radiation. Our findings suggest a new strategy to combat the effects of acute radiation doses that impair biological systems.